New Director Named for Lublin’s 2029 Cultural Year

1 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Katarzyna Duma becomes acting director as Lublin prepares for Lublin European Capital of Culture 2029, ensuring continuity and broader civic involvement.

Lead: The institution leading Lublin’s cultural bid named a new director. The city now prepares for Lublin European Capital of Culture 2029 with continuity in leadership.

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What changed and who leads now

Paweł Potoroczyn led the institution since it opened in July 2025. However, the city appointed Katarzyna Duma as acting director from 1 September. Consequently, Duma brings continuity because she served as deputy director. Moreover, municipal leaders stress they will keep the same strategic course. Therefore the city and the Ministry of Culture will still co-manage and co-finance the work.

Lublin European Capital of Culture 2029: why this matters

Winning the title places the city on a wider European stage. Consequently, the designation attracts EU and national attention and funding. Moreover, the title helps accelerate investment in cultural infrastructure. In addition, it raises visitor numbers and boosts the local economy. Therefore hotels, cafes, and cultural venues will see more demand. However, the city faces a challenge to balance tourism and daily life for residents.

Progress so far and next steps

The institution presented its progress to the European Commission experts. Consequently, the panel gave a positive assessment of preparations. Moreover, a parliamentary culture committee visited to review the programme. In addition, the city created an Advisory Council to guide ESK work and the Strategy Culture 2030+. Therefore planners will link the 2029 events to long-term cultural policy. Furthermore, initiatives like #DziejeSię weekends introduced residents to the programme. As a result, local audiences already experience new projects and performances.

What the change in leadership means

Mayor Krzysztof Żuk said leadership change will not alter the project direction. Moreover, he highlighted continuity and public engagement as priorities. Katarzyna Duma echoed that the achievement rests on many people. In addition, she stressed collaboration with cultural institutions, universities, NGOs, and business partners. Therefore the project stays a community effort, not a one-person achievement.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland as an expat, you may want to follow cultural programmes closely. Local events often publish volunteer calls and job posts in English. Moreover, municipal services handle permits and contracts, and national bodies matter too (ZUS is the social insurance office, NFZ runs public health insurance, and PESEL is the national ID number for residents). Therefore register early for workshops and volunteer rosters to secure spots and build local networks.

For expats, the title means more cultural programming in English. Consequently, you can expect festivals, exhibitions, and student-led projects. Moreover, cultural institutions will seek international partners and artists. Therefore opportunities for short-term contracts and collaborations may increase. However, plan ahead because demand can strain housing and transport in popular months.

With more than two years left, Lublin still has time to refine its programme. Consequently, the new acting director aims to keep momentum and deepen partnerships. In addition, planners will align events with longer-term urban and cultural strategies. Therefore 2029 should showcase the city to both Polish and international visitors.

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